Tall Bearded Iris 'Sambuca': A 2001 L. Johnson Introduction

Tall Bearded Iris 'Sambuca' is an intoxicating cultivar introduced in 2001 by hybridizer L. Johnson. Named after the anise-flavored liqueur, its flowers offer a dark, licorice-like allure.

Dark, Licorice Allure

'Sambuca' produces large, heavily ruffled flowers of a very deep, glossy purple-black, approaching true black. The color is intense and uniform (a self) with a matching dark beard. The petals have a high-gloss sheen, like wet licorice. Stems are 36 to 40 inches, strong, well-branched, with 7-9 buds.

Garden Intoxication

This iris creates a powerful, dramatic presence. It grows best in full sun with well-drained soil to develop its darkest pigment. 'Sambuca' is a vigorous increaser and forms stunning dark clumps. It is a top choice for collectors of black irises and for creating high-contrast garden designs.

L. Johnson's Dark Magic

L. Johnson has specialized in breeding the darkest possible irises. 'Sambuca', introduced in 2001, is a modern milestone in the pursuit of the black iris, combining depth, gloss, and substance.